China has banned many Americans, including US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Russell. He made the announcement on the eve of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman's visit to China. The ban, imposed by a Chinese diplomat who is believed to be a confidante of US President Joe Widen, is less than 24 hours long, adding to tensions between the two countries.

China has made the decision in response to a recent US decision. The United States has banned Chinese officials in Hong Kong. The Wyden administration has called China's decision "meaningless" and "pessimistic."

The United States has banned Chinese officials in Hong Kong for allegedly suppressing civilians in the region. The United States has warned its citizens doing business in Hong Kong of the dangers.